The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has published a report warning that more than one in three tree species are at risk of extinction worldwide, with over 16,000 tree species currently facing this threat. The report, part of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, assessed more than 47,000 tree species out of an estimated 58,000 worldwide. Trees are being felled for logging, farming, and human expansion, with climate change exacerbating the threat through drought and wildfires. Over 5,000 tree species are used for construction timber, while more than 2,000 species are used for medicines, food, and fuels.
Various tree species are endangered, including the horse chestnut, ginkgo, big leaf mahogany, and several ash, magnolia, and eucalyptus species. The report emphasized that the number of tree species at risk is more than double the combined number of threatened birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. The highest proportion of at-risk tree species is found on islands, where rapid urban development, expanding agriculture, and invasive species contribute to the threat. In South America, which has the greatest diversity of trees, over 3,000 out of 13,000 assessed species are at risk, with many undiscovered species likely facing extinction.
The report highlights the importance of trees in supporting life on Earth, as they play a vital role in ecosystems and provide livelihoods for millions of people. The IUCN has called for forest protection and restoration through tree planting, as well as the conservation of endangered species through seed banks and botanic garden collections. The report’s publication coincides with the United Nations COP16 summit on biodiversity in Cali, Colombia. The UN Environment Programme estimates that spending on nature needs to increase to $542 billion annually by 2030 to halt nature loss and meet climate goals, compared to the current $200 billion expenditure as of 2022.
In response to the alarming report, the IUCN emphasizes the urgent need for global action to protect tree species at risk of extinction. The loss of tree species not only threatens biodiversity but also impacts the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on trees for various resources. Urgent measures such as forest protection, restoration through tree planting, and conservation efforts through seed banks and botanic gardens are essential to prevent further loss. The report underscores the critical role of trees in supporting ecosystems and emphasizes the importance of preserving them for future generations.
Efforts to address the threats facing tree species must be integrated into broader conservation and climate action strategies. The intersection of biodiversity loss and climate change calls for a comprehensive approach that addresses the underlying causes of tree species extinction. Collaboration between governments, conservation organizations, and local communities is crucial to implement effective solutions that protect tree species and their habitats. By raising awareness about the plight of tree species at risk of extinction, the report aims to inspire action at local, national, and global levels to safeguard the diversity of trees and ensure a sustainable future for all life on Earth.
